Most refrigerators get wiped when something spills, and not much more. Then one day you open the door and smell something that should not be there. A full clean takes about an hour and makes the fridge work better, keeps food fresher, and clears the smell for good.
The best time is the day before grocery shopping, when the shelves are close to empty.
What this post covers:
- The best way to empty it and sort what to keep
- Shelves, drawers, and the glass
- Door seals and the drip area
- Odor control that works
- Coils and the temperature check
Step 1: Empty and Sort
Take everything out and set it on a counter, grouping cold items together. If it will take a while, put perishables in a cooler with ice. Check dates and throw away anything expired or doubtful. Wipe jars and bottles as you put them back later, since sticky rings on the shelf come from sticky bottoms.
Step 2: Shelves and Drawers
Remove shelves and drawers. Let glass shelves come to room temperature before washing, since cold glass can crack in hot water. Wash with warm water and a little dish soap, rinse, and dry. Wash drawers the same way, and scrub corners with a soft brush. While they dry, wipe the inside of the fridge from the top down with a cloth and a mix of warm water and baking soda, about a tablespoon per quart.
Step 3: Door Seals and the Drip Area
The rubber gasket collects crumbs and mildew in its folds. Wipe it with a damp cloth and an old toothbrush, then dry. Clean the door shelves and bins, and wipe the area around the drain hole at the back, often a small opening where condensation runs. Clear it with a toothpick if it is blocked, since a blocked drain leaves water pooling in the bottom.
Would you rather skip the fridge clean? Sunshine Clean & Care can add a kitchen cleaning to a visit. Tell us which jobs matter most and we will plan the time.
How Often to Clean Your Refrigerator
Wipe up spills right away, do a quick sort every week before grocery day, and do the full clean described here every three months. Cleaning the door gasket and drip area monthly takes five minutes and prevents most mildew. Before holidays, do a mid-season check so there is room for the extra food you are about to bring home.
Step 4: Smell Control
Wipe the inside with a baking soda solution, as above, and then leave an open box or small bowl of baking soda on a shelf. Replace it every month or two. If an odor remains, check drawers and corners where something may have spilled, and wipe them again. Avoid heavily scented sprays inside, since food can pick up the smell.
Step 5: Coils, Outside, and a Temperature Check
Wipe the outside, including the handles, where everyone touches. If your fridge has coils at the back or bottom, dust them with a vacuum brush a couple of times a year, which helps it run efficiently. Unplug the fridge first, and if you have to pull it out, get help and know it is safe. Sunshine Clean & Care does not move heavy appliances, and neither should you attempt it alone on uneven or slick floors.
Finally, put a thermometer in the fridge. The USDA says refrigerators should be 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below and freezers 0 degrees or below, and recommends an appliance thermometer to check. See the USDA page.
Do the Freezer Too
Empty it into a cooler, wipe the walls and shelves with a damp cloth, and check dates on frozen foods. Frost buildup means the door may not be sealing, so look at the gasket. Put the food back in order, with older items in front.
For the rest of the kitchen, see our kitchen deep cleaning checklist, and for the dishwasher next door, our guide on how to clean a dishwasher.
Quick Fixes for Common Problems
- Sticky shelf rings: wipe with warm soapy water, then dry. Sticky rings usually come from the bottoms of bottles and jars.
- Water pooling at the bottom: clear the drain hole with a toothpick and wipe the drain trough.
- A persistent smell: look in the drawers, behind the shelves, and under the produce bins. A forgotten item is usually the cause.
- Frost in the freezer: check that the door is closing fully and that the gasket is clean and tight.
- Cloudy ice: a stale ice maker. Empty the bin, wash it, and run a few batches to flush the line.
Never use abrasive pads on the inside plastic, since scratches trap grime and become harder to clean.
A Note on Florida Humidity and Power Outages
In Florida, a power outage after a storm can spoil a fridge full of food and leave a smell that lingers. The USDA says an unopened refrigerator keeps food safely cold for about four hours, and a full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours if the door stays closed (see the USDA appliance thermometer page). If food spoiled, empty the fridge, wash every shelf and drawer with soap and water, and leave the door open with a box of baking soda inside until the odor fades.
When to Hand It Off
If a full fridge clean is the job you keep putting off, Sunshine Clean & Care can add a kitchen cleaning to a visit. Tell us when you book which parts matter most, and we will plan the time. See the kitchen cleaning service page.
Want a fresh, clean kitchen without the work? Call to ask about a kitchen cleaning or a full deep clean. We will go over what is included and which jobs are add-ons.
